He said the changes that weren’t enforced through injury reflected the style
he wanted the Wallabies to play against the World Cup champion All Blacks.
“There were a number of extremely tough selection decisions, especially
after the way the team performed against France, however we’re confident
we’ve come up with the best squad possible to win on Saturday night,”
McKenzie said. “We’ve just modified some roles slightly to suit how we
want to play the game.”
McKenzie said the toughest selection revolved around the pivotal No 10 with
Foley performing strongly against France, and also steering the Waratahs to
victory in the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders. Beale has more test
experience and is a more unconventional and versatile playmaker.
“Bernard hasn’t put a foot wrong since we chose him in June, but Kurtley
has really stepped up his game over the past few months and he’s
consistently been one of the Waratahs best players every week,”
McKenzie said. “He’ll bring some additional x-factor to our game.
Kurtley’s also an experienced guy who has played 42 tests, so he will enjoy
the added responsibility of wearing the No 10 jersey.”
McKenzie announced an expanded group of nine substitutes including six
forwards, Waratahs halves Foley and Nick Phipps and Brumbies centre Tevita
Kuridrani, who made way for Ashley-Cooper in the centres. One player will be
omitted closer to the test.
Australia team: Israel Folau, Pat McCabe, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt
Toomua, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, Nic White; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper
(captain), Scott Fardy, Rob Simmons, Sam Carter, Sekope Kepu, Nathan
Charles, James Slipper.
Replacements (one to be omitted): James Hanson, Pek Cowan, Ben
Alexander, Will Skelton, Ben McCalman, Scott Higginbotham, Nick Phipps,
Bernard Foley, Tevita Kuridrani.
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28286510
Kurtley Beale returns to Australia side to face New Zealand in Rugby ...
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